No Dirty Gold campaign

June 1, 2006

Washington, DC -- The No Dirty Gold campaign applauded the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) for adopting a resolution that calls upon the mining industry to produce gold in an ethical way that respects environmental, social, and human rights standards.

"We're pleased that this prestigious organization of metalsmiths and jewelry artists has lent its voice in support of an alternative to irresponsibly mined gold," said Radhika Sarin, international campaign coordinator with EARTHWORKS.

SNAG is the premier metal arts organization for jewelers, designers, and metalsmiths. The resolution approved at SNAG's annual conference last week in Chicago is the latest show of support for gold that is responsibly produced and independently certified. Nine national jewelry retailers have formally endorsed the No Dirty Gold campaign's criteria for responsible gold production.

"There's no question that those who buy, sell, and work with jewelry are concerned about gold mining's impacts on communities and the environment," said Keith Slack, senior policy analyst with Oxfam America. "Mining companies must step up and demonstrate that they are respecting social, environmental, and human rights standards."